NITI Aayog Releases Compendium to Enable Year-Round Tap Water in Himalayan Highlands
SDG 6: Clean Water & Sanitation | SDG 13: Climate Action
Institutions: NITI Aayog | Ministry of Jal Shakti
NITI Aayog has published a Compendium on All-Weather Tap Water Supply in the Higher Reaches of the Himalayas, launched during a brainstorming session convened with stakeholders from Himalayan states, academia (IIT Mandi), and grassroots organisations. The compendium captures case studies, innovations, and field practices across difficult terrains, showcasing how technology, community engagement, and policy convergence can deliver sustainable all-weather drinking water supply even in extreme geographies.
Discussions at the session emphasised overcoming challenges like terrain, harsh weather, data gaps, and implementation constraints. Proposed solutions include spring rejuvenation, drip-based supply systems, agroforestry, improved engineering materials, and creating a Centre of Excellence on Springs for scalable models.
By consolidating lessons from terrain-specific water supply efforts, the compendium provides a strategic reference point for planning durable infrastructure in Indiaβs Himalayan belt. It can inform state and central water schemes, support climate adaptation in fragile ecosystems, and foster institutional learning across regions.
Follow the full compendium here: https://niti.gov.in/whats-new/compendium-all-weather-tap-water-supply-higher-reaches-himalayas